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Photo: Connie Swift

When time runs faster than you, it’s a jolt into reality once you realize you lived longer than you planned. From unhealthy coping mechanisms to brushes with death, UK rising star venbee leaves little to the imagination in “gutter (when did i turn 20),” introducing herself to the world with bare skin and guns ablaze.

From hitting #5 on the UK Singles Charts to winning Radio 1 award for 'Bass Track of The Year,' you may know her from the raunchy dance track “messy in heaven,” but there’s much more to the Kent-born artist than means the eye. At just 21, she somehow seems to have mastered the art of catchy drum ‘n’ bass hits, with the single amassing 70 million global streams and “low down” trailing closely behind. So, who is the girl behind the thrill? 

From guitar to piano, much of venbee’s ability is self-taught, and she’s been aware of her musical ambitions since the ripe age of nine. Combatting dyslexia while memorizing lyrics alongside rhythm guitar is a feat only those purely driven by passion can surpass, further proving that there was no other path for the musician. It’s hard to imagine a world where the fullness of venbee’s magnetism is confined to a stagnant 9-5.

Her instagram is an archive of funny reels and vine-like clips, being herself in every instance possible. “I am and will always be unapologetically myself,” the artist shares. “I’m a bit of a nutter.” Yet, her unwillingness to perform is not at the expense of her genuine gratitude. It’s easy to see the sincerity in her awe of how far she’s gotten, how many people are rooting for her, and the wonder of what’s to come.

Collaborating with LA-based multi-instrumentalist Elias Abid, what’s made her such an enticing artist on the rise is her music’s ability to take you out of your body. Her bone-chilling bass and enchanting vocals make an addicting elixir, almost distracting you from lyrics that could put off anyone living by the book. Almost.

Her latest single “gutter (when did i turn 20)” continues to push the envelope lyrically, as she opens up about turning to alcohol in avoidance, spiraling during relapses, and watching her mother lose her daughter. With even a mention of lockdown and its detrimental effects, there’s deep solace found in knowing how many people will relate to her raw vulnerability. The single has already set crowds alive as she’s toured the UK on her 'Messy in Heaven Tour; alongside Queen Millz, selling out venues from London to Manchester. 

There isn’t a single thing about venbee that isn’t polarizing. She either lights you up, keeps you up at night, or both. It’s those that live in the most radical truth of themselves that tend to leave a sweet or sour taste in your mouth, but if she doesn’t dismantle antiquated ideals about what it means to be palatable, who will? She questions, she rages, she bites the head off of who she was supposed to be, and wreaks havoc for dessert.